Alberton-born author and activist, Katlego Amogelang Kabo Moeng opens up about colourism, bullying, epilepsy and menstrual justice as she leads a bold movement to uplift young girls across South Africa.
At just 19 years old, Katlego Amogelang Kabo Moeng has already lived through more than many do in a lifetime.
She is a published author, philanthropist, gender-based violence activist, epilepsy awareness advocate and founder of the Katlego Moeng Foundation.
With August being Women’s Month, her story is a reminder that strength is not found in the absence of hardship, but in the courage to rise above it.
‘I started writing at 12,’ she recalls. ‘I grew up with a mum who was a teacher. Our bonding time was at the library. I was always reading. But it was in Grade Four, after I started seeing a psychologist, that I realised I could write about my pain. I wanted to inspire other kids like me.’
A childhood interrupted and transformed
Katlego’s childhood in Roodepoort was filled with challenges. Once a bubbly and outgoing child, she began to withdraw after enduring relentless bullying. Much of it was rooted in colourism.
‘I was bullied because I am dark-skinned,’ she says. ‘It made me feel like something was wrong with me; like I wasn’t beautiful or worthy.’
This began in Grade Four, a time when her school principal and mother noticed emotional changes and arranged for her to see a psychologist. That moment marked a turning point in her life.
‘I’ll never forget her. She was this tall, dark-skinned woman with an afro, always in heels and suits. I saw myself in her. She helped me open up. That experience helped me heal and inspired my career path.’
Her mother, a lifelong educator, also played a central role. She consistently went above and beyond for her students, delivering dignity packs, textbooks, and transport to learners in need.
‘I grew up watching my mom give so much of herself,’ Katlego says. ‘She didn’t do it for recognition. She did it because it was right.’
Her father is equally generous and often donates sports kits or helps renovate schools in rural areas
My Unknown Strength: Writing to heal and confront colourism
At age 16, Katlego published My Unknown Strength, a deeply personal self-help book for tweens, teenagers, and adults.
Drawing from her own experiences with bullying, the book boldly addresses colourism along with topics like sexual harassment, self-image, and personal growth.
‘I wanted girls to feel like they’re not alone. That they’re not crazy or broken. I wanted them to open up, like I finally had.’
She hopes the book will give readers, especially dark-skinned girls, permission to love themselves in a world that often tells them not to.
Her Perspective: Fiction rooted in reality
Her second book, Her Perspective, is expected to be published at the end of 2025.
It is a fictional account inspired by a real-life experience when Katlego witnessed domestic violence in a friend’s home.
‘It was the first time I saw it unfold in real life. Her siblings were young, but she handled it like it wasn’t the first time. I was shocked. I wanted to write something real that didn’t sugarcoat what abuse looks like.’
Katlego believes society often speaks about abuse in abstract terms. Through this book, she aims to bring honesty and urgency to the conversation.
Building a movement
In 2023, Katlego launched the Katlego Moeng Foundation, a community-driven organisation that supports education, dignity, and empowerment.
One of its leading initiatives is Gentle Glow, a menstrual health project that provides reusable pads and menstrual education.
‘Period poverty affects confidence and school attendance. No girl should have to choose between a meal and a pad. My vision is for Gentle Glow to be everywhere, in schools, clinics, and public spaces.’
The foundation’s next big step is a national school tour.
The aim is to reach 10 schools in every province, distributing shoes, stationery, and dignity packs. The tour also includes motivational talks on self-love, mental health, consent, and safety.
What Women’s Month means to her
August is not only Women’s Month. It is also Katlego’s birth month.
‘To me, it’s about celebrating how far women have come. From our grandmothers to us. But it’s also about taking action. We must hold hands and keep walking forward.’
She believes Women’s Month should go beyond celebration and include real change, such as policy improvements and public awareness.
‘We hear about women being abused or killed every day. We should be ticking off one thing each year. Whether it’s a new law or an awareness campaign.’
Speaking out and owning her voice
Despite the growing public attention, Katlego stays grounded.
‘I don’t see myself as a public figure. I see myself as someone trying to help. It’s about spreading awareness, helping a father understand epilepsy, or inspiring a child to write.’
She is currently studying toward a National Diploma in Human Resource Management and hopes to specialise in Industrial Psychology. She also dreams of working in radio or television.
Living with Epilepsy
In 2019, Katlego was diagnosed with epilepsy. The journey has not been easy.
‘There was denial and fear. I stopped taking my medication and things got worse. I avoided stairs, balconies, anything that felt risky.’
She has since embraced her diagnosis and become an epilepsy activist.
In November, she will run a campaign visiting schools and institutions to support people with epilepsy.
‘Epilepsy taught me that I’m strong. I’ve fallen and gotten back up over and over again.’
Empowering young girls
Through talks and direct support, Katlego works to make sure girls see themselves as leaders.
‘Sometimes they just need someone to believe in them and the resources to act on their dreams. Conversations are great but resources give them confidence to take action.’
She has helped girls start sports clubs, fix school fields, and build self-belief.
‘Take up space. Don’t downplay your talents. Be firm and be direct,’ is the message Katlego puts out there
Looking to the future
In five years, Katlego sees herself having published a third book.
She wants to be fully involved in psychology and philanthropy and take her foundation’s school tour across the country.
‘I want to see dignity packs in every rural school. I want to see Gentle Glow in every clinic. I want every girl to feel safe, confident, and powerful.”
If she had one sentence to say to every girl in South Africa, it would be this: ‘Focus on your focus, stay in school, and protect what you love the most.’
Women who inspire her
Aside from her mother, Katlego is inspired by her mentors Makgotso Lealebajoa and Sine Gobe. She also admires international icon Beyoncé.
What I love about these women is that they refuse to dim their light. They take up space, work hard, and give back.’
Katlego ‘s story is not just about surviving. It is about rising and helping others rise with you. This Women’s Month, her journey is a powerful reminder that even in the face of pain, girls have the right to power, voice, and purpose.
Text: AZUSAKHE LIMBA. Photo: WRITTEN DIGITAL
